Bhubaneswar: Odisha received a major boost to its digital infrastructure on Wednesday with the Centre approving an additional ₹3,384 crore under Phase-III of the BharatNet project, while the state government signed two key agreements to accelerate broadband expansion and the adoption of emerging technologies. The investment, sanctioned under the Digital India Mission, will enable the…
Kendujhar: Principal Secretary of the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department, Suresh Kumar Vasisth, on Tuesday reviewed the implementation of key welfare schemes and flagship development programmes in Kendujhar, directing officials to ensure their timely and transparent execution so that benefits reach every eligible beneficiary. Vasisth, who is on a three-day visit…
Bhubaneswar: Nandankanan Zoological Park celebrated International Tiger Day 2026 with a host of awareness, educational and conservation-focused activities aimed at promoting tiger conservation and encouraging greater public participation in wildlife protection. Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, who attended the programme as the chief guest, said International Tiger Day serves as an…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has earmarked ₹2,496.40 crore over the next five years to promote agri-entrepreneurship under the Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana (MKUY), Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo announced on Wednesday, while urging banks to play a more proactive role in providing timely credit to entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector. The announcement was…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has evacuated around 30,000 people from flood-prone areas and intensified relief and rescue operations as heavy rainfall continued to impact large parts of the state, with five districts bearing the brunt of the deluge. The evolving flood situation was reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister…
Bhubaneswar: Experts, researchers and traditional knowledge practitioners on Wednesday emphasised the need to systematically document, validate and digitally preserve Odisha’s indigenous knowledge systems to ensure that the state’s rich cultural and scientific heritage is safeguarded for future generations. The call was made during a two-day workshop on “Indigenous Knowledge Systems” organised by the Odia Virtual…
New Delhi: In a significant move to curb paper leaks and examination fraud, the Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, introducing stricter punishments, fast-track courts and time-bound trials for offences related to public examinations. The Bill, passed by a voice vote after nearly two days of…
Bhubaneswar: With heavy rainfall continuing across several parts of the state, the Odisha government on Friday stepped up flood preparedness, directing district administrations to accelerate evacuations, strengthen relief operations and maintain round-the-clock monitoring in vulnerable areas. The preparedness measures were reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, who…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to expand formal skill training under the State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC) by introducing structured training programmes for 15 additional traditional handicrafts, aiming to preserve the state’s rich craft heritage while creating new livelihood opportunities for artisans. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired…
Puri: The Puri Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has urged the Centre and the Odisha government to initiate the process for securing UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) status for the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, describing the centuries-old festival as a living tradition of universal cultural significance….
